Cake mix cookies are a wonderful treat that come together so quickly with just a few simple ingredients. The base of a boxed cake mix gives these cookies a soft, cake-like texture that’s both light and chewy. They often have a sweet, buttery flavor, and mixing in things like chocolate chips or nuts makes them even better.
I love making cake mix cookies because they’re perfect for when you want something homemade but don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. I usually grab whatever mix I have on hand—vanilla, chocolate, or even red velvet—and then add my favorite extras. It’s so easy to tweak the recipe to fit your mood or what’s in your pantry.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy these cookies is fresh out of the oven, when they’re still soft and warm. They’re great with a glass of milk or alongside a cup of tea. These cookies always bring a little burst of joy no matter the occasion, and I find that everyone who tries them can’t help but smile.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cake Mix: The cake mix is the star here, giving the cookies a soft and tender texture. Funfetti or vanilla mixes work great and add a cheerful look. If you want a chocolate twist, use a chocolate cake mix! Gluten-free cake mixes can be swapped for a special diet.
Eggs: Eggs help bind the dough and add moisture. If you need an egg-free option, try using a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) or a commercial egg replacer.
Oil or Butter: Oil keeps these cookies moist and tender. Melted butter adds flavor but can make cookies a bit richer. Both work well, so choose your favorite or use olive oil for a subtle taste change.
Mix-ins: Chocolate chips and sprinkles are optional but fun additions. You could also try nuts, dried fruit, or even mini candies. They add great flavor and texture variety.
How Do You Keep Cake Mix Cookies Soft and Chewy?
Soft cake mix cookies come from the right balance of ingredients and baking time. Here’s what helps:
- Use the specified amount of oil or melted butter to keep moisture in.
- Don’t overbake: remove cookies when edges look set but centers still seem soft — they’ll firm up as they cool.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet a few minutes before moving to a cooling rack; this prevents them from breaking apart.
You can also chill the dough a bit before baking for thicker cookies. And keep the cookie size consistent to ensure even baking.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl – big enough to mix the dough easily without spills.
- Measuring cups – to get your eggs, oil, and mix just right.
- Spoon or spatula – for stirring the dough smoothly.
- Baking sheet – a flat tray where the cookies bake evenly.
- Parchment paper or silicone mat – stops cookies from sticking and helps with easy cleanup.
- Cooling rack – lets cookies cool without getting soggy on the bottom.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chocolate chips for white chocolate or peanut butter chips to change up the flavor.
- Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch and deeper taste.
- Mix in dried cranberries or raisins for a chewy, fruity twist.
- Stir in a teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for cozy warmth, especially in fall.
How to Make Cake Mix Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) cake mix (any flavor, such as vanilla or funfetti)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 cup chocolate chips or rainbow sprinkles (optional, for mix-ins)
- Additional sprinkles or sugar for topping (optional)
Time You’ll Need:
It takes around 10 minutes to prepare the dough and about 10-12 minutes to bake the cookies. Don’t forget to add 5 minutes for cooling, so about 25-30 minutes total from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Mix the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil or melted butter. Stir everything together until you get a soft dough. If you like, fold in chocolate chips or rainbow sprinkles now to make the cookies extra fun and tasty.
3. Shape and Bake Your Cookies:
Use a tablespoon to scoop out pieces of dough and place them on your prepared baking sheet. Leave some space between each cookie, about 2 inches apart, so they have room to spread while baking. If you want, sprinkle a little extra sugar or sprinkles on top for a pretty finish.
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges look set but the centers are still soft. Be careful not to overbake, so they stay chewy and soft inside.
4. Cool and Enjoy:
Take the cookies out of the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them set so they don’t break apart. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely if you want, or enjoy them warm!
Can I Use Egg Substitutes in Cake Mix Cookies?
Yes! You can replace each egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) or a commercial egg replacer. This works well if you’re vegan or have an allergy.
Can I Make Cake Mix Cookies Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. If chilled, you might need to add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them soft, add a slice of bread to the container—they’ll absorb moisture and keep cookies fresh!
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins to These Cookies?
Definitely! Beyond chocolate chips and sprinkles, try adding nuts, dried fruit, or mini candy pieces to customize your cookies. Just fold them in before baking for extra texture and flavor.
